FOOTBALL

Fernandes Wins Premier League Player of the Season After Record Assist Chase

Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United, Nico O’Reilly
23 May 2026

Bruno Fernandes was named Premier League Player of the Season after a standout campaign for Manchester United. He matched the league’s single-season assist record, created more chances than any other player and helped United secure Champions League qualification.

Fernandes beat a shortlist including David Raya, Gabriel, Declan Rice, Erling Haaland, Antoine Semenyo, Igor Thiago and Morgan Gibbs-White. Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly also won Young Player of the Season after a breakthrough campaign at left-back.

Wirtz Backs Slot and Says Liverpool Move Still Feels Right

Florian Wirtz, Liverpool, Arne Slot, Mohamed Salah
23 May 2026

Florian Wirtz said he has no regrets over joining Liverpool despite a tough debut season and criticism after his record move from Bayer Leverkusen. He also backed Arne Slot and played down the latest Mohamed Salah fallout.

Wirtz said Salah’s comments about Liverpool losing identity were made too big and insisted the squad remains behind Slot. He admitted the Premier League’s physical demands forced him to adapt, including extra gym work to handle contact.

Liverpool Move Into Strong Position for Yan Diomande

Liverpool, Yan Diomande, RB Leipzig, Mohamed Salah
23 May 2026

Liverpool are reportedly in a strong position to sign RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as they plan for life after Mohamed Salah. The teenager is viewed as a leading transfer target after a breakout season in Germany.

Diomande produced 13 goals and 10 assists, drawing serious attention from elite clubs. Leipzig are expected to demand more than €100 million, meaning Liverpool would need a major package before formal talks can progress.

Real Madrid Confirm Alaba Exit After Injury-Hit Final Years

David Alaba, Real Madrid, Florentino Perez
23 May 2026

Real Madrid confirmed David Alaba will leave as a free agent when his contract expires this summer. The defender ends a five-year spell after winning nine trophies, including two La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns.

Alaba’s final seasons were heavily affected by knee injuries and limited minutes, pushing him down the defensive order. Florentino Perez praised his dedication and legacy, while the player now looks for a new challenge elsewhere.

Manchester City Open Talks for Enzo Fernandez as Maresca Plans Take Shape

Manchester City, Enzo Fernandez, Enzo Maresca, Chelsea
23 May 2026

Manchester City have reportedly opened talks over a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez as they prepare for life after Pep Guardiola. Incoming boss Enzo Maresca is said to be driving interest in his former Stamford Bridge player.

City want midfield reinforcements and view Fernandez as a leading target to shape Maresca’s new team. The move would be difficult because Chelsea still hold a long contract, but early talks have started behind the scenes.

Newcastle and Villa Join Race for Osasuna Winger Victor Munoz

Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Victor Munoz, Osasuna
23 May 2026

Newcastle United have joined Aston Villa in the race for Osasuna winger Victor Munoz, with the player viewed as a possible replacement if Anthony Gordon leaves. The rumour adds another name to the summer wide-forward market.

Gordon’s possible Bayern Munich move appears to be the trigger for Newcastle’s interest, while Villa are also tracking attacking reinforcements. Munoz gives both clubs a younger option who could arrive before larger market moves develop.

Atletico Prefer Joao Gomes as United Keep Midfielder on Radar

Joao Gomes, Atletico Madrid, Manchester United, Wolves
23 May 2026

Atletico Madrid reportedly prefer Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes after Ederson moved closer to Manchester United, while United also remain interested in Gomes. The situation creates a second midfield race around both clubs’ summer plans.

Atletico’s focus could shift fully to Gomes if Ederson heads to Old Trafford, but United’s continued interest may complicate the market. Wolves would likely demand a strong fee because the midfielder remains central to their squad.

Leverkusen Line Up Iraola Option if Palace Move Stalls

Bayer Leverkusen, Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace
23 May 2026

Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly ready to offer Andoni Iraola an alternative route if he decides against Crystal Palace after leaving Bournemouth. The manager is becoming a live target as clubs reshape plans for next season.

Iraola’s Bournemouth exit has opened interest from clubs looking for a progressive coach with Premier League experience. Leverkusen’s approach could complicate Palace’s plans and give him a European option before committing to another English job.

Liverpool Push Ahead for Atletico Nacional Teen Samuel Martinez

Liverpool, Samuel Martinez, Atletico Nacional
23 May 2026

Liverpool are reportedly working on a deal to sign Atletico Nacional attacking midfielder Samuel Martinez. The 17-year-old has also attracted interest from Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund, but Liverpool are said to be moving ahead in the race.

The move fits Liverpool’s wider squad rebuild, with the club looking at younger players who can develop into first-team options. Beating two major European rivals would give them a long-term attacking prospect before the summer window heats up.

SPFL Opens Probe Into Celtic Matches After Penalty Panel Dispute

SPFL, Celtic, Motherwell, Hearts
23 May 2026

The SPFL is investigating two Celtic matches among five disciplinary cases, while the Scottish FA’s key match incident panel ruled Celtic should not have received a late penalty against Motherwell after VAR intervention.

The cases involve pitch incursions, fan conduct and match security after late-season scenes at Motherwell and Celtic Park. The SPFL said clubs must control unacceptable conduct, while Police Scotland continues looking into claims linked to the Hearts match.